What All Classrooms Need For September

The environment that educators create for children reflects the image that they have about the children - Loris Malaguzzi
September is around the corner and teachers are heading back to the classroom to unpack and organize for the first week of school. As a Reggio Inspired educator I have designed the classroom environment as a space for children to work and play through easy access to materials. This means that I curate the work and play materials in the classroom. 
In our district the children come for short blocks of time over the first 5 school days. This transition helps them to become used to school, routines and expectations.
Here are a few ideas which are research based and have worked for me for many years.
Declutter
A new school year is an excleent time to chose to declutter the classroom by removing materials that are ineffective or not being used by the children at this time. Remove any bins or tubs of teacheer materials.Try to keep the tops of shelves and windowsills clear to reduce visual clutter. 
Walls
There is research that shows how “visual clutter” can distract both children and adults in all work settings, and many of us can relate. When every area of wall space is taken up by decor, signs, and charts, students can easily lose the ability to focus on one particular thing. While our intentions are typically good, wanting to provide resources for our students to use, we actually end up creating distractions. Instead take your time co-creating charts with the children using them as needed using the Up/Down Method. For example, leave one wall empty then the children can put the chart on the ledge or easel for the activity then take it down. Don't forget that learning walls are co-created with the children to be meaningful learning tools.
One important wall that I set up the first week is a family photo wall at the children's eye level. This is one of my transition strategies and provides children with tremendous comfort, Over the year we add student family drawings, family projects and it continues throughout the year to have great value for the children.
A Cozy Spot
Having a space in your classroom where children can retreat, have quiet time, or rest is important. It gives students autonomy over their emotions, allowing them to take time to recover after conflict or to comfort themselves when missing a grown up. It allows students to have a spot when they just need a minute or want some quiet time. After modeling appropriate use, the cozy spot gives students the chance to develop self-regulation and emotional awareness. this will quickly become one of your favourite spaces.
White Boards
Some of the most popular tools in the classroom are white boards and clip boards. Clipboards can provide opportunities to write and draw all over the room and can be taken outdoors for observational drawing and map making. White boards provide opportunities for process drawing and kid writing. I  include them in the afternoon for quiet activities and the table is always full. I also use them for direct drawing, word play, math play and writing around the room. These valuable tools are on the shelves by the end of the first week of school for student led morning play.
A Space to Hang Art
The Atelier or Art Studio is introduced the first week which means that the children will require a space to hang their drawings, paintings or collage. I have a few places in the room and in the adjacent hall to display their art. I use one of my three wall spaces to display art as well as a clothesline in the classroom and in the hall. Children decide when to display a piece of art which means that you do not need to reserve space for every child. I also keep painter's tape in the Atelier in case children decide that they need posters or signs.
Space for Children to Move and Sit
The classroom should have spaces for children to sit in small groups and in a large group. I usually have two large rugs: one for gathering and one for block building. I also have a small cozy corner and another small rug for a child or pair of children to play.
Loose Parts
I use loose parts in different parts of the curriculum: math, literacy, art, and science. It is important to introduce loose parts slowly with small quantities in case your students have little or not experience. I begin with my counting jar collection the first day of school and together we learn the framework using small jars of objects to count.  Other areas loose parts are slowly introduced in are small world play, literacy play and math play. I keep the loose parts organized and eventually  distributed throughout the room: block area, math, literacy, small world, atelier and counting jars. Once the children are used to loose parts i begin to increase the quantity in some areas. An example may be a shelf with peg people, small animals, gems and fabric adjacent to small world play.
Curated Play Materials
I always curate my play materials and begin in September with minimal materials including unit blocks, home centre, a simple game like Snail Race, basic art materials, construction, small world play with a simple set up like the Three Bears, a couple of table centres and books.